Lehigh University appoints Matthew Lahey as its new Vice President and in-house legal advisor.
Lehigh University has announced the appointment of Matthew Lahey as its new General Counsel, effective immediately. Lahey, who brings over two decades of legal experience in higher education and private practice, will succeed Frank Roth in the role.
Lahey's professional background is extensive, with a strong focus on Higher Education law, institutional governance, Title IX, and employment matters. He earned a bachelor of business administration in finance from the University of Notre Dame and a juris doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law.
Prior to his time at Oberlin College, Lahey was involved in private practice, specifically in the Labor & Employment group at an AmLaw 100 firm in Chicago, Illinois. At the University of Notre Dame, he advised senior leadership on strategic initiatives and legal issues related to academic affairs, litigation, institutional policy, risk management, and compliance.
Lahey served as vice president, general counsel, and secretary at Oberlin College, where he oversaw all legal services to the institution and advised on a broad range of legal and regulatory matters. His legal career includes counseling and litigating on behalf of employers on a wide range of employment and labor matters.
President Joseph J. Helble '82 stated that Lahey brings deep expertise in higher education law and a clear understanding of complex legal and governance issues. The search committee for the position, which included Joe Sterrett, Brett Ludwig, Ainsley Lamberton '07G, Kim Nimmo, Alex Radus, and Melissa Blomkvist, supported the national search for the position. The firm Major, Lindsey & Africa partnered with the search committee to ensure a thorough and successful search.
Throughout his 25-year legal career, Lahey has published frequently and given regular presentations on Higher Education and Labor & Employment laws and trends. He has been recognized as a member of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers.
In addition to his legal career, Lahey served for a number of years on the Board of Directors for the Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County. This commitment to community service highlights Lahey's dedication to making a positive impact beyond the legal sphere.
Lahey's son, Tyler Lahey '25, is graduating from Lehigh this week, adding a personal connection to his new role at the university. As the new General Counsel, Lahey is poised to bring his wealth of experience and expertise to Lehigh, guiding the institution through complex legal and governance issues.
While specific details about Lahey's career in higher education law and his achievements are not readily available, it is clear that he has made a significant impact in this field throughout his career. His appointment at Lehigh University is a testament to his skills and dedication to higher education law.
- Matthew Lahey, in his career, has often published articles and given presentations on topics related to Higher Education and Labor & Employment laws and trends.
- As the new General Counsel at Lehigh University, Lahey will bring his expertise in higher education law, focusing on complex legal and governance issues.
- Lahey's deep understanding of education law stems from his work advising senior leadership at the University of Notre Dame on issues related to academic affairs, risk management, and compliance.
- Lehigh University, in its ongoing commitment to education-and-self-development and online-learning, has appointed a faculty member with vast knowledge in the field of innovation, Matthew Lahey, as its new General Counsel.
